Evaluate input materials for restricted substances risks
To evaluate input materials for potential restricted substance risks, facilities should collect self-declarations from input material suppliers confirming that the materials do not intentionally contain restricted substances.
In addition to this basic step, facilities are strongly encouraged to strengthen the purchase of third-party certified inputs where applicable. They should also implement a due diligence process for evaluating input materials for restricted substances risk based on the evaluation of material suppliers and smart testing.
Facilities are expected to adopt the following three steps:
Step 1: Collect self-declarations from input material suppliers or vendors
Facilities should communicate their input material specifications to their input material suppliers, including specifications about restricted substances and collect self-declarations from input material suppliers confirming that the materials do not intentionally contain restricted substances. This self-declaration indicates supplier's acceptance of and commitment to specification.
The declaration should:
- Confirm that the material does not intentionally contain any restricted substances
- Be signed by the supplier or vendor
Facilities should keep these declarations as part of their records.
Self-declarations templates
Download the self-declaration template for materials manufacturers
Download the self-declaration template for agents
Note: The self-declaration templates provided are for reference purposes only. Suppliers are free to amend or modify this template to suit their specific needs, provided the requirements outlined in the reference version are included.
Step 2: Identify material suppliers where third-party certifications are applicable and collect valid certificates for these inputs
Where available, facilities are encouraged to use third-party–certified materials, validating that the risks of restricted substances have been assessed.
Facilities should keep all certification documents and ensure they are linked to the lot/batch number of the purchased input material.
Suggested third-party certifications include, but are not limited to, the following
Processed /semi-processed materials certification schemes
- OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified materials
- Materials sourced from OEKO-TEX® STeP certified facilities
- GOTS Certified Material
- Materials from GOTS-certified facilities (with valid scope certificate and transaction certificate)
- Materials from bluesign® system partners
- Cradle-to-Cradle certified materials
Processed/semi-processed material
- Material from LWG Certified tannery
- Organic Cotton - Global Organic Testing Standard (GOTS)/ Organic Content Standard (OCS)
- Recycled Cotton - Global Recycled Standard (GRS)/ Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
- Recycled Polyester - Global Recycled Standard (GRS)/ Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
- Recycled Polyester - Material from ZDHC Recycled Polyester Module Participant facility
- Recycled Polyamide - Global Recycled Standard (GRS)/ Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
- Recycled Wool - Global Recycled Standard (GRS)/Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
- Other recycled fibres - Global Recycled Standard (GRS)/ Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
- Virgin MMCF - Material from ZDHC MMCF Module Participant facility
- Virgin Cashmere - Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA)
- Virgin Wool - Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)
- Alpaca - Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS)
- Mohair - Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS)
- Down - Responsible Down Standard
- Organic Silk - Global Organic Testing Standard (GOTS)/Organic Content Standard (OCS)
- Recycled Silk - Global Recycled Standard (GRS)/Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
- Flax - Masters of FLAX FIBRE ™
- Natural Fibre - regenagri
Step 3: Establish a due diligence process for evaluating input materials for restricted substances risk
The due diligence process to monitor restricted substances risks in input materials comprises of two parts: